Unknowingly beautiful

A short, breezy name with a sophisticated yet upbeat image, that doesn't betray its Irish roots. Bree first came to notice here in 1971 via the complex prostitute character in the movie Klute, which earned Jane Fonda an Oscar. More recently, it was tied to the character of Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives.

While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right.

Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.

Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.

Sweet, enchanting Lilou is considered both a pet name from the Occitan language (spoken in Provence in the south of France), and a compound name, blending floral Lili with classic Louise. It peaked in France back in 2009 when it reached #12, and while it has now fallen in popularity, it remains in the Top 200.

Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie.

Infinitely preferable to the tease-inspiring English version of the word.

Associated with poetry, pop music, and the Greek lyre, Lyric has a light and zippy sound to it and joins the likes of Melody, Harmony, Cadence, and Aria as musical names that have become baby names. A unisex name, it is currently three times more popular for girls in the US where it sits in the Top 600. It has declined in use since its 2014 peak, but was still given to around 560 girls in a recent year.

An appealing Italianate alternative to the classic queenly Victoria, though in Anglophone countries it will be forever misunderstood as Victoria. Could be an appealing long form for a girl called not Vicky or Tory but Vita.

Melodie is a feminine name that represents a French-influenced spelling variation of Melody. Derived from Greek elements 'melos' (song) and 'oide' (ode), the name literally means 'song' or 'music.' This spelling variation adds a touch of European elegance to the musical name. Melodie gained modest popularity during the mid-20th century when musical names were trending. The name evokes qualities of harmony, creativity, and artistic expression. With its soft consonants and flowing vowel sounds, Melodie itself sounds musical when pronounced. While not as common as the 'Melody' spelling in English-speaking countries, this variant maintains its appeal for parents seeking a slightly distinctive twist on a recognizable and meaningful name with inherent musicality.

Pretty and unusual, Livana may find a lot more fans as parents look for alternatives to Number 1 Olivia. Livana was used for only seven baby girls in the US last year.

Carine is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a variation of Karina or as a feminine form of Carus, a Latin name meaning "dear" or "beloved." In French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and France, Carine has enjoyed moderate popularity. The name possesses an elegant, sophisticated quality while remaining approachable and easy to pronounce across multiple languages. Carine saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its international appeal extends to various European countries and French-influenced regions. With its soft sound pattern and meaningful etymology suggesting someone cherished or valued, Carine offers a graceful yet straightforward naming option with continental flair.

Capella, the eleventh brightest star in the sky, carries much mythological and astrological significance. In Roman mythology, Capella represented the goat that suckled Jupiter, whose horn became the Cornucopia or horn of plenty. In Hindu mythology, Capella is called the heart of Brahma, while English legend calls it the shepherd's star.

Corella is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart,' suggesting someone warm-hearted or beloved. Alternatively, it could relate to the Corella bird native to Australia, giving it a natural connection. In some contexts, it functions as a diminutive form of Cora, which has Greek origins meaning 'maiden.' This melodious three-syllable name carries a vintage charm with its flowing sounds and romantic quality. Though relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, Corella offers an elegant alternative to more popular names like Cora and Coraline. The name's delicate sound combined with its multiple meaningful associations makes it appealing to parents seeking something both beautiful and distinctive.

An interesting international choice. Most closely associated with the Parisian monument, the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel was also responsible for much of the interior of the Statue of Liberty. The name itself is German, but was not the family's original surname and was added as an homage to the family's German homeland which featured the Eifel mountains. Eiffel could be used as a boys or girls name.

Marjolie is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Marjorie, which derives from the medieval form of Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' With its French-sounding ending, Marjolie introduces a melodic quality to the traditional Marjorie. The 'jolie' element evokes the French word for 'pretty,' adding a layer of beauty to its meaning. This uncommon variation has never achieved widespread use but offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar forms. Marjolie carries the same vintage charm as Marjorie but with an added touch of international flair. The name suggests a gentle femininity while still connecting to the strong historical roots of Margaret. Marjolie would appeal to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains refreshingly uncommon.